U.S. Census

The New York State Library, as a Federal regional depository library, receives most publications of the United States Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau and its predecessors have recorded the changing face of America, compiling statistics and data about our nation's demography. The first decennial census in 1790 was contained in one small book; the 1990 census filled hundreds of volumes, CDs and numerous tape files which hold unpublished information.

As the volume of data increased over the past two centuries, the level of detail available to the researcher also greatly expanded. Comparisons of data from year to year may therefore vary in feasibility.

The State Library has all decennial and non-decennial census publications since 1790 in print or microfiche. It also has census maps showing tracts, blocks, metropolitan areas, congressional districts and school districts.

Census material is available at the State Library in print, microfiche, CD-ROM, data tape formats, as well as through the Internet. Reference librarians can assist in accessing census data online as well. Primary publications of the Census Bureau which can be found in the reference area are:

The New York State Data Center of the Department of Economic Development, the State's lead agency with the Census Bureau, has all the computer tape file information for New York State since 1980. The State Data Center has deposited copies of some Census computer tapes at the State Library, which circulate under normal State Library circulation policy; details are available from the State Library's Reference Desk (phone: 518-474-5355). Reference staff members can make referrals to the State Data Center, access the Census Bureau's electronic bulletin board, and search online Census Bureau data.